The association between pulmonary disorders and epilepsy is bidirectional: Seizures can cause respiratory abnormalities, and primary respiratory dysfunction can cause seizures.

Consequently, the following pages are divided into two groups:

Seizure disorders affecting respiration

Generalized seizures or status epilepticus
Focal cortical or limbic-onset seizures
Respiratory effects of antiepileptic drugs

Primary respiratory dysfunction affecting seizure disorders

Respiratory insufficiency
Sleep apnea syndrome
Theophylline toxicity

Adapted from: Sepkuty JP and Kaplan PW. Hematologic and pulmonary disorders. In: Ettinger AB and Devinsky O, eds. Managing epilepsy and co-existing disorders. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2002;209–228.
With permission from Elsevier (www.elsevier.com).
Reviewed and revised April 2004 by Steven C. Schachter, MD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.